With many conversations currently going on regarding what classification of dust extractor should be used we thought it might be helpful to talk a bit about H Class vacuums. With the standard minimum requirement for sites now at M Class we are hearing noises of some main contractors talking about wanting H Class which brings up some extra challenges.
H Class dust extractors/vacuums are not very common and many of the main manufacturers do not currently produce H Class machines, as a result, they tend to be quite expensive and difficult to find. Up to now, they have tended to only be used for very hazardous waste such as asbestos, however this is looking like it could change soon enough.
What does H Class stand for?
- High Hazard
What is different with an H Class dust extractor/vacuum to M Class:
- H Class dust extractors/Vacuums have to meet stringent requirements
- It must filter out 99.995% of dust
- The container must be tightly sealed to prevent any dust escaping
- Dust removal from the extractors must be dust free
- Disposable bags have to be used
What are H Class extractors/vacuums suitable for?
- Carcinogenic dusts
- Dust contaminated with germs
- Dust contaminated with bacteria
- Pathogenic particles
- Mould spores
- Mineral fibres
- Bitumen
- Artificial mineral fibre
Saves going round like this I suppose!
Are there any downsides to H Class extractors/vacuums?
Unfortunately yes, unless you are specially required to use H Class you are best off avoiding them. Due to the fact they can be used with hazardous waste as soon as the machine has been used it is assumed that it has come in contact with hazardous waste. As a result, they should not be transported without bagging in polyethene and cannot be repaired or serviced without going through a decontamination process which may seem a bit of an overkill if you've just been cleaning the carpet!
Typical advice for preparing to transport is that all extractors must be:
- Decontaminated - washed down
- Dust bag has been removed and dust container decontaminated
- Main filter has been removed
- Extraction hose has been sealed within plastic bag and placed in dust container
- Extractor has been placed within the special H class containment bag
So if you're still looking for an H Class dust extractor/vacuum then we have a couple of cost effective options which we can recommend from V-TUF:
V-TUF VAC H
Specification:
- Automatic filter cleaning
- Robust non mark wheels
- Built in filter clog siren
- Tool and cable storage
- 8.5m long cable
- 1400W twin turbine motor
- 215 M2/H airflow
- 21 Litre tank
- Weighs 12.7kg
- Can be used for wet applications
- Dimensions: 385(w)x400(d)x550(h)mm
Includes:
- 3m 36mm hose, wand and accessories
- 1 Year warranty
Delivery in 1-2 days.
240V from £369.00+vat
110V from £399.00+vat
V-TUF DUSTEX H
Specification:
- Automatic filter cleaning
- Robust non mark wheels
- Built in filter clog siren
- Tool and cable storage
- 8.5m long cable
- 1400W twin turbine motor
- 215 M2/H airflow
- 21 Litre tank
- Weighs 12.7kg
- Can be used for wet applications
- Dimensions: 385(w)x400(d)x550(h)mm
Includes:
- 5m 27mm hose & stepped tool connector (no wand or accessories)
- 1 Year warranty
- Power take off socket
Delivery in 1-2 days.
240V from £529.00+vat
110V from £569.00+vat
